The PicoSure laser was developed by Cynosure, USA, and is FDA-approved for several aesthetic treatments, including tattoo removal. It uses a 755 nm Alexandrite wavelength, which effectively breaks down melanin and other pigments in the skin, making it ideal for treating various pigmentation issues and tattoos.
PicoSure utilises ultra-short picosecond pulses to shatter tattoo ink particles into smaller fragments. This minimises heat damage to the surrounding skin, allowing for faster healing times and reduced discomfort.
As previously mentioned, the PicoSure laser operates at a wavelength of 755 nm and delivers energy in picosecond (one trillionth of a second) pulses. This ultra-short pulse duration is key to its effectiveness in tattoo removal and works in the following ways:
The PicoSure laser's picosecond pulses are shorter than the tattoo ink particles' thermal relaxation time (TRT). By delivering energy in pulses shorter than the TRT, the laser can effectively shatter the ink particles without causing significant damage to the surrounding skin.
The fragmented ink particles are small enough to be removed by the body's immune system. This process leads to the gradual fading and clearance of the tattoo over several treatment sessions.
The number of sessions required for effective tattoo removal using the PicoSure laser depends on several individual factors, such as skin colour, tattoo colour, amount of ink used, degree of scarring, and location of the tattoo on the body. Here’s a more in-depth description:
| Factor | How it affects tattoo removal |
| Skin colour (Fitzpatrick scale) | Lighter skin (I-III): responds better and has faster healing.Darker skin (IV-VI): risk of pigmentation changes; more sessions may be required. |
| Tattoo colour | Black/blue ink: easier to remove, requires fewer sessions.Red ink: harder to remove, requires more sessionsGreen/pink/yellow/white ink: not possible to remove |
| Amount of ink used | Dense ink: heavier saturation/multiple layers need more treatments.Older tattoos: easier to treat due to natural fading. |
| Presence of scarring | Scarring increases the number of laser treatments required to take effect (scar tissue blocks laser energy) |
| Tattoo location | Central location (Face/Neck/Chest/Abdomen): faster ink clearance.Peripheral location (arms/legs/hands/feet): slower ink clearance, more sessions required |
| Depth of tattoo | Professional tattoos use more ink at deeper depths, requiring more laser sessions for removalAmateur tattoos use less ink at more superficial levels, requiring less laser sessions for removal |
Dr Hoe Ying Min will examine and analyse the factors contributing to the effectiveness of laser tattoo removal, such as those mentioned above. This will help ensure that an effective and bespoke treatment plan can be created to meet your goals.
The area around the tattoo will be thoroughly cleansed to remove dirt or oils, and a numbing cream will be applied to ensure a comfortable experience. Once the numbing cream has taken effect (after 20-30 minutes), the PicoSure laser will deliver short pulses of energy directly to the tattoo. You will experience slight discomfort during the procedure, but this should be bearable with the numbing cream.
After the procedure, you can expect mild swelling, redness, or blistering at the treatment site, but these typically subside after a few hours or days. As the days progress, the body gradually removes the tattoo ink fragments, and you may notice gradual fading of the tattoo.
The number of sessions needed depends on several factors (skin colour, tattoo colour, location, amount of ink, level of scarring, skin thickness). However, most patients generally require 5-10 sessions for complete or near-complete removal. Dr Hoe will provide a more accurate estimate based on your specific tattoo characteristics.
After your tattoo removal, you may experience blistering and crusting in the area. Do not pop or pick at these blisters, which can lead to scarring or infection. Dr Hoe will prescribe creams and serums for your skin for 3-5 days. You should avoid outdoor activities such as swimming, contact sports, and the sun for two weeks.
Aftercare following PicoSure laser tattoo removal is essential for achieving the best results and ensuring a smooth recovery. Keeping the area clean, moisturised, and protected from the sun can help facilitate healing and minimise the risk of complications.
